EPILOGUE
Mom and Dad held a reception for Sylvie and Paula. Paula went to her parents’ home the night before the wedding.
Sylvie was nervous on the day. She drove herself to the venue in Paula's car. Mom met her, and led her to the gazebo, where the reception was being held.
“This is beautiful,” gasped Sylvie.
“You like it?” asked Mom.
“Of course. Thank you for this.”
“Be good to my Paula.”
“I will.”
“That's all I ask. Your bride will be here soon,” said Mom, then she left. Sylvie knew Paula's sisters, Joan and Louisa. They introduced her to the extended family, and to some family friends.
When it was time, Sylvie stood at the altar. The wedding march played, and Paula came down the aisle on Dad's arm. Sylvie gasped, Paula looked beautiful in a cream wedding gown, with a veil and train.
Sylvie felt gauche and out of place in her ruby, knee length dress. She had had it made especially, but it paled beside Paula's gown.
Paula reached Sylvie, they held hands, then one of Paula's cousins, Bridget, guided them as they made personalised vows.
After the vows, everyone had lunch, then Paula and Sylvie opened the dance floor. Sylvie was glad that she had taken a few dance lessons in her youth. It occurred to her that there should have been a wedding rehearsal.
“You're gorgeous,” she said to Paula. Paula beamed at her, and Sylvie felt her heart fill with joy. Other people joined the dancing, then Dad asked to dance with Paula.
Sylvie found herself dancing with Joan.
“I've never seen Paula this happy. Whatever you're doing to her, keep doing it,” she said. Sylvie smiled.
“Thank you for introducing me to everyone,” she said.
“You're a member of the family now. I expect to see more of you when Paula comes to see me.”
“Thank you,” smiled Sylvie.
After the dancing, Sylvie was led to a car by Joan. Paula joined her, in a different outfit. Sylvie gasped, realising that there was a 'just married' sign on the car.
“Let's go, you're driving,” said Paula. Sylvie drove off to loud cheers and clapping from Paula's family. She waved and hooted.
As soon as they were out of sight of the family home, Sylvie stopped the car, and burst into tears.
“Sylvie, what's the matter? What is it?” asked Paula.
“Your family was so nice to me,” wept Sylvie.
“What's wrong with that?”
“It's so unexpected.”
“You're a member of the family, we're nice to each other in my family. It's our family now.” Sylvie smiled.
“Our family. I like the sound of that. Thank you for giving me our family,” she said.
“How can I not give them to you? You're the most important person in my life, and I want to share them with you. Are you alright to drive?”
“Yes.”
“Let's go home.”
They freshened up, and climbed into bed, exhausted.
“This is for you,” said Paula, giving Sylvie an envelope. Sylvie opened the envelope, and perused it’s contents, then she gasped, and looked at Paula.
“Thank you,” she said.
“You have to be at all board meetings, and I expect productive inputs. When you're given a task, I expect you to do it, Sylvie. Don't slack off just because we're married,” said Paula. Sylvie threw her arms round her, and held her tight.
“I can't believe you gave me shares in your very successful business,” she said.
“You have to take care of your investment for it to take care of you,” said Paula.
“I'll do that, Paula, don't worry about it,” said Sylvie. She felt Paula withdraw from their embrace. She looked at her, then she watched Paula's lips, as she brought her face to hers. They shared a long kiss.
“I love you,” said Sylvie. Paula drew back to look at her closely.
“Are you sure?” she asked.
“Absolutely.”
“That's great. I love you, too. You do know that?”
“I know,” said Sylvie, kissing Paula.
###
GLOSSARY
Amalobolo/lobola - Money or cattle paid to bride’s family by groom’s family as thank you for raising a woman who will bear children and grow their family
Baba - Father
Buti - Brother
Sangoma - Traditional spirit healer/medium
Sisi - Sister
Wena - You
Yeyi - Hey
Thula - Quiet
Thank you for reading this ebook. I hope it transported you to an interesting realm and brought you joy.
Thank you for reading books on BookFrom.Net Share this book with friends